Promises (Joe FF)

Standing at the door, he watched his girlfriend pull her knees up to her chest and sob…her slender back shaking with the force of her pain…he didn’t know what to do…he knew he should go and comfort her, but if he was honest he wasn’t feeling sorrow…he was feeling relief…He pushed himself off the door frame and turned on his heel and left his girlfriend alone with her pain and sorrow…

With a sigh, Joe slumped down on the couches in the hotel lobby…running his hands through his long hair he rested his elbows on his knees and stared at the pattern running through the cream carpet under his feet…hotel carpet was the same the world over…he knew he was procrastinating…he just didn’t want to go upstairs because everyone would want to know how Belle was and he didn’t have the courage to tell them he hadn’t seen her…

“I thought you might be here” Kevin said softly as he sat down on the couch next to Joe

“Really…why is that? Shouldn’t I be at the hospital sitting by Belle’s side…holding her hand crying with her” Joe said his voice devoid of emotion

“I rang the hospital when you didn’t answer your phone and they said you weren’t there…how is she?”Kevin asked

“No idea” Joe said with a shake of his head

“What…you have seen her haven’t you?” Kevin asked in shock

“Nope…and I don’t know if I am going to” Joe said his body stiffening

“Joe” Kevin said softly

“Don’t start Kevin…I’m really not in the mood” Joe said standing up and walking towards the hotel doors

“Joe” Kevin called after him

Without a backward glance…Joe pushed the doors open and walked into the early morning air…

Belle laid flat on her back, her arms out to the side hanging off the bed…her blank gaze staring at the ceiling… She tried to make her mind switch off…to take the pain away…to somehow cope with what had happened to her…to them…not that she had seen Joe since he bought her into emergency last night…she knew that while she was feeling pain and grief…he was feeling relief and freedom…she hated him right now…more than she ever thought she could hate anyone…

“Ms Scott” The nurse said gently bringing Belle’s thoughts back into the room

“Sorry what” Belle said with a shake of her head

“Is there anything you need…anything I can get for you?”

“Ummm, no thanks…I’m…ummm…yeah…no…thanks” Belle stuttered

“Ok…well the psychologist is here to see you”

“I really don’t want to see anyone right now…I just want to be left alone” Belle said softly

“I’m sorry Ms Scott…but it is hospital policy after a loss like this” The nurse said gently

“Ok…but can I get a phone first please…just give me 10 minutes to make a call” Belle pleaded

“Sure” The nurse said handing Belle a phone

Belle stared at the phone in her hand reluctant to dial the numbers…with shaking fingers; she pushed the numbers from memory

“Hello”

“Hey Kev, its Belle” Belle said softly

“Hey…how are you?” Kevin said gently

“Ummm yeah…can you let Joe know that I will be burying his son on Friday” Belle said her voice devoid of all emotion

“Belle…I…” Kevin began as he heard a soft thanks and a click of the phone being disconnected in his ear